Renaissance and Reformation

1350-1600


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"Since then your Majesty and your lordships desire a simple reply, I wil answer without horns and without teeth. Unless I am convicted by scripture and plain reason--I do not accept the authority of popes and counsils, for they have contradicted each other--my coscience is captive to the Word of God..." -Roland Bainton


5 Most Important People

  1. Giovanni Medici- One of the wealthy members of the Medici family who used wealth and power to control Florence at a time when it was the cultural hearth of Italy.
  2. Martin Luther- He wrote the Ninety-Five Theses and starts the reformation movement of the church, he has also been called the founder of the Protestant religion.
  3. Dante- Writes the Divine Comedy, a poem about Heaven, Hell and Purgatory and what happens to the eternal soul in the afterlife.
  4. Leonardo da Vinci- This famous artist painted the Mona Lisa (possibly the most famous painting in the world) and creates various inventions and theories.
  5. Chaucer- He wrote The Canterbury Tales which was a famous peice of literature because it was written in the English vernacular, not in Latin or in French as was common.

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The Creation of Adam: A painting from the Sistine Chapel.

5 Important Terms

  1. Humanism- Is a religion based on the study of roman & greek works of literature such as the works of Homer.
  2. Ninety-Five Theses- By Martin Luther, a list of the many luxuries the popes of the church were indulging themselves with. written to protest the church's ways.
  3. Salvation- The act of being saved or being freed of sin. Ex: God gave his only son, Jesus Christ, to be our salvation.
  4. Predestination- The Lord looking into the future at the beginning of time and deciding who would be saved and who would not be saved.
  5. Dowry- Before the wedding, it was expected of the brides parents to provide the groom and his family with gifts, land or money.

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The Mona Lisa: A painting done by one of the most famous inventors/artist of the time period.
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The Ninety-Five Theses: Written by Martin Luther in protest of the Catholic Church's unjust acts.

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Leonardo da Vinci: Lived during this time period and is very famous today for his achievements in art and inventive skill.

Renaissance and Reformation

The Renaissance era was an time of inventive thinking and creative minds, many of which are still quite famous today for their achievements. For example, Leonardo da Vinci lived during this time period and although he is most widely known for his works in art he was also a great inventor. He had many theories about how things worked and they are still being tested by scientists today. The next few paragraphs will talk about the great movements in religion and art this era.


Next, in the years prior to the Renaissance period the Catholic church had grown increasingly corrupt with its wealth and power. It over taxed everything and used its power to influence rulers decisions and laws. In 1517, Martin Luther decided to take action and stand up for what was right. According to legend he posted his complaints onthe door of the church. These were the Ninety-Five Theses. This act set into motion one of the most practiced religions today; the Protestant Christians. However, it wasn't only religion that changed during this era, there were also advances in art.


Lastly, some of the greatest achievements of this era were the advances in art. Such as the invention of the fresco, a painting done on fresh plaster and many famous paintings. For instance the painting titled The School of Athens By Raphael depicting some of histories greatest minds and philosophers. As well as Leonardo and Raphael there was Jan Van Eyck who painted the Adoration of the Magi. In addition, there was many famous sculptures created in this era as well such as David By Michelangelo. And The Creation of Adam was another famous painting from murals in the Sistine Chapel. In conclusion, the Renaissance era was a cultural explosion who's products will be admired for years to come.

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This is the sculpture of David by Michelangelo.




Timeline for the Era

1304-1378 Francesco Petrarch Father of Humanism

1350-1600 Renaissance period

1397 Giovanni Medici believed to have started the Renaissance

1416 Donatello sculpts St. George

1450 Johann Gutenberg invents first printing press

1501 Michelangelo Buonarroti sculpts Moses and David

1503 Mona Lisa is painted by Leonardo Da Vinci

1513 Nicolo Machavelli wrote the Prince

1517 Martin Luther posts the Ninety-Five Theses on the door of a Catholic church

1528 Castiglione Wrote The Book of Courtier




To Learn More:

Renaissance & Reformation
About the Renaissance Period
Renaissance Period for Kids
Achievements of The Renaissance
The Reformation of the Catholic Church